Like all good things that come to an end, so has almost this super long weekend celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee (60 years on the throne). On the upside though, this does mean we have a three day working week to look forward to...my favourite kind of working week!
Although I didn't partake in any Jubilee celebrations as such, I did get a few sewing projects finished (posts on these to come) and managed to make some progress with my knitting.
Front and side detail...
Sleeve detail...
I started my Panelled Effect Lady's Jumper (from A Stitch in Time Vol 1) back in March and I am only just over half way through! It's because I'm generally really slow at knitting and also the pattern which repeats over six rows is impossible for me to memorise, so I have to refer to the book all the time. I did want a challenge though and I sure got one, but I'm seriously enjoying the process. I just find knitting so darned comforting and a completely different experience to sewing!
What does make me break out into a cold sweat though, is the thought of sewing this finished baby up. I know how to do a mattress stitch, I think I know how to do a backstitch, but I'm sure performing either of these on a 'big' project is not that simple. Also...how on earth do you set in sleeves...eeek?
Can you tell I'm panicking even though I'm probably months away from finishing? Want to help me? I'd really appreciate it if you have any handy tips to share or if you can point me in the direction of any good tutorials, books, knitalongs and so on. I'll be forever indebted!
This is absolutely amazing Marie! So damn impressed. You'd never have thought you only started knitting last year!
ReplyDeleteIn terms of tips, all I can suggest is youtube. I'm pretty terrified of sewing up pieces so tend to do most of my knitting in the round, but if ever I've had a doubt, youtube never fails! x
Aaaw, it means a lot coming from such an accomplished knitter! Ironically, I'm petrified of trying to knit in the round but I must give it a go one of these days. And yes, I'm sure YouTube will come up trumps!
DeleteOh... My... goodness! This is just soooo cool. I am uberly impressed! I used to knit when I was younger but no where near to this level! I'm afraid I can't help with the best way of stitching up. I just winged it as far as I can remember. But it is more forgiving hand sewing knit pieces together. Can't wait to see the finished article. You are so clever!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, your comment has made me so happy!
DeleteThat sweater sure is look beauts! I love all the texture.
ReplyDeleteI can't help you with advice, as the only thing I've knitted was made up in one piece (yeah!), but do you have to set sleeves into a knitted garment? Even with knit fabrics, the sleeves aren't normally set in so much as they are just sewn on flat & then the arm seam is sewn up. I assume it would be the same for hand-knit stuff, although I could absolutely be wrong haha.
Thanks Lauren! Yes, maybe I'm over complicating it in my head...I'm sure a bit of googling and youtubing will tell me everything I need to know ;o)
DeleteWow Marie, I admire you loads. It was not so long ago you went for your first knitting class and ow you've come this far.I can't help you, but I can only encourage you to keep up.
ReplyDeleteYep, I started in October last year! So I'm pretty pleased with myself and thank you so much for your encouragment!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous color of blue!
ReplyDeleteI wish you could see it in real life, these pictures don't even do the yarn justice!
DeleteThat looks beautiful! I always space out and give up halfway through jumpers, I'm much more of a hat-and-socks scale knitter--I am craaazy impressed.
ReplyDeleteSeconding Elisalex's recommendation to check youtube for tips on sewing up, etc. It seems like every possible knitting situation has at least one video tutorial made about it, I'm sure you can find something that'll do the trick!
Thanks very much and yes, I think YouTube is the way forward ;o)
DeleteUnfortunately I have no advice to help you as I can't knit at all, I've started many times but then put it down and forget and repeat the cycle all over again! I think this is going to be gorgeous though, it makes me think i should pick up the knitting again and maybe learn what these stitches are your talking about!
ReplyDeleteDo it, have another go and you might enjoy it this time round?!?
DeleteWell done, it's looking beautiful! I'm sorry I can't offer you any advice! I'm sure you'll find lots of help- isn't the internet wonderful? :)
ReplyDeleteIt sure is wonderful, thanks very much!
DeleteWoweeee Marie, I am in awe of your knit progress, amazing! It's going to be a wonderful sweater, beautiful pattern....I will check out comments too as my knitting ( started in, hmmm, last autumn,) Will also need constructing and I too am nervous of making a dogs dinner of it!!
ReplyDeleteAaaw, thanks Winnie! I too started last autumn (Oct to be precise), so maybe we can help each other along with the construction side of things!
Deletebeautiful knitting! My thoughts on the dreaded sewing up are just as confused as anyone's...I just go for whatever looks neatest on the day personally.Just as with the knitting it all takes practice.
ReplyDeleteThank you Catherine...you know how in awe of your knitting I am!
DeleteThat is beautiful! I recommend Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters by Sharon Brant - should tell you everything you need to know.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much...this sounds like a gem!
DeleteOohh lovely - it looks like it is going to be a lovely fit! I must check out that book.
ReplyDeleteI like mattress stitch, because it is sewn from the right side and you can line up the stitches so it is near invisible! It also seems to be less bulky. I found out about it one day when I was lost on Ravelry.....
That book (both volumes in fact) is divine! And thanks for the tip on mattress sticth ;o)
DeleteIt looks great - your knitting is so neat and even! Sewing together is one of my least favourite bits and always a littel daunting, but take your time and you'll be fine. I think the pattern of the jumper will make it quite forgiving at the seams anyway, more so than if it was mostly stocking stitch,as then any wrinkled seams stand out a mile.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips, I think slowly is the only way for me ;o)
Deletelooking good! :D
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about sewing up - as long as you block it first, it is easier than a sewing project. I recently discovered mattress stitch and it is my new best friend!
Thank you! I've used mattress stitch before, but for much smaller projects, so the scale of this is what's scary!
DeleteIt's looking gorgeous, so envious of your knitting! I'm a terrible slow knitter as well.
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely Marie, can't wait to see it finished!!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's looksing really good Marie - love the colour of the wool too. Can't wait to see it finished. My knitting has been basically none-existant over the last month of so. I seem to be getting distracted with other stuff! As for the sewing up - well I solved that problem on the last project by handing it to my Mum to finish! lol Lazy I know...
ReplyDeletePS - got my giveaway prize in the post yesterday - so exciting, thanks!
Hehe, I love that your mum is on hand to finish off your knitting...will she do mine do you think? LOL!
DeleteSo glad your giveaway prize arrived...enjoy!
Wow Marie, you are so talented. If you ever start to make them to sell, I want one x ... Beautiful job...
ReplyDeleteAaaw, thanks Rachel! Unless I miraculously became faster at knitting, there's no way I'd ever make a living out of selling jumpers...I'd starve!
DeleteSuch gorgeous knitting. Can't wait to see it when you've done the dreaded sewing up.
ReplyDelete